Conseil canadien pour les réfugiés Canadian Council for Refugees

Conseil canadien pour les réfugiés
Canadian Council for Refugees
Canadian Council for Refugees Spring 2015 Consultation
Home, Dignity: Human Rights
May 21-23 2015, Winnipeg
Conference Report
Report Contents
I. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 1
II. EMERGING NEEDS AND NEW DIRECTIONS .................................................................... 2
III. SUMMARY OF THE PLENARIES ........................................................................................ 4
IV. SYNTHESIS OF WORKSHOPS ............................................................................................. 5
V. PARTICIPANT EVALUATIONS .......................................................................................... 19
I. INTRODUCTION
The Canadian Council for Refugees’ Spring 2015 Consultation was held the 21 - 23 May at the
Radisson Downtown hotel in Winnipeg, on Treaty One territory and the homeland of the Métis
nation. Over 300 participants from across Canada attended the Consultation, with a strong local
attendance from Manitoba, and delegates from every single province.
The Spring 2015 Consultation provided a space for learning, experience-sharing and networking
among people involved in refugee protection, the immigrant and refugee serving sector, and
refugee resettlement across Canada. The theme for this Consultation was Home, Dignity: Human
rights, reflecting – among other things – the preoccupation with housing for newcomers as a key
concern and a crucial prerequisite for settlement.
This Consultation continued to employ the successful new program format we have
experimented with since Spring 2014, including five parallel caucus sessions held on Friday
morning that, for the most part, were open to government. The Closing Plenary and general
meeting are now combined, and start and end earlier than usual.
Thirty-five sessions were offered during the three days of the Consultation, consisting of two
plenary sessions, three orientations, one training session, three two-part working group meetings,
one joint strategy session, seventeen workshops, and eight caucus sessions. The program
included three to five concurrent sessions in any given time period, apart from the times when
participants met in plenary. Workshop streams focused on (a) immigrant and refugee settlement
and integration, (b) refugee resettlement and overseas protection and (c) inland refugee
protection.
The Working Group meetings held during the Consultation were once again divided in two parts,
on Thursday and Friday, which gave participants the opportunity to become familiar with the
functions and key issues of the working group, and then discuss emerging issues and share
information, best practices and initiatives with others from across Canada. They also offered an
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Canadian Council for Refugees
opportunity to prepare resolutions to be presented at the General Meeting held as part of the
Closing Plenary, and to develop strategies for action to address issues emerging from the
discussion. A new resource on the principles of anti-oppression was introduced to the conference
kit in Winnipeg: it was presented at the beginning of the working group meetings. The handout
included an explanation of different types of privilege and an exercise on how to be aware of
this, as well as tips for a more inclusive Consultation.
CCR member organizations and volunteers from Winnipeg formed a local organizing committee
(LOC) to host the event and successfully ensured that logistics were looked after and that a
welcoming team of volunteers was ready to respond to the needs of participants. The
Consultation was made possible thanks to the time, dedication, and hard work of the staffs of
MIIC Welcome Place, IRCOM, MIRSSA and others, and the team of dynamic and helpful
volunteers they recruited and coordinated. The LOC organized successful social events both
Thursday and Friday evenings. On Thursday a cocktail reception was sponsored by MIIC and the
Canadian Race Relations Foundation, and on Friday participants enjoyed a three-course meal,
entertaining performances from local dance troupes and musicians, and dancing.
At this Consultation, the CCR benefited from the in-kind contributions of Manitoba Interfaith
Immigration Council Inc., New Journey Housing, Local Immigration Partnership Winnipeg,
Manitoba Immigrant and Refugee Settlement Sector Association, Canadian Race Relations
Foundation, IRCOM, Rainbow Resource Centre and Accueil francophone.
The CCR gratefully acknowledges financial support for the Consultation from The Winnipeg
Foundation, Government of Manitoba (for the Friday evening dinner), Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Canada/Canadian Lutheran World Relief, Anglican Diocese of Rupert’s Land, CUPE
locals 2348 and 2343, and The United Church of Canada - Conference of Manitoba &
Northwestern Ontario.
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II. EMERGING NEEDS AND NEW DIRECTIONS
Through workshops, caucus sessions, plenaries and the written feedback we received on the
Consultation, a number of emerging needs and priorities in the refugee protection and newcomer
settlement sector have been identified.
Youth Stereotyping and Radicalization
Concerns about youth radicalization were highlighted. On the one hand, the threat is real and we
need to explore effective ways to limit the risks for vulnerable newcomer youth. On the other
hand, many youth feel that the main challenges that they are facing are rather ones of
stereotyping: they see society viewing them as potential radicals or members of criminal gangs.
Youth engagement was recommended as the best way forward.
CBSA
The consultation provided an excellent opportunity to engage with the Canada Border Services
Agency (CBSA) on a number of issues, including treatment of children, intersection of CBSA
activities with violence against women, improving communication between NGOs and CBSA at
the local level. CCR will be following up on a number of these issues.
Gender analysis
A workshop presenting a gender-based analysis of immigration policy changes raised awareness
of an area that deserves more attention. The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act mandates a
regular gender impact analysis: several participants were interested in the CCR’s suggestion of
providing a complementary analysis that takes a deeper look at how changes have had
differential impacts based on gender and gender identity.
Refusals of privately sponsored refugees
Many participants involved in the private sponsorship of refugees expressed interest in pursuing
a CCR project to analyze private sponsorship refusals. Some felt that negative decisions have too
rarely been challenged. There were particular concerns about refusals based on local integration
as a durable solution (in countries where refugees face significant hardship and dangers) and on
the basis of credibility.
Inter-faith initiatives
The faith-based dialogue pursued through several conferences focused this time on local interfaith initiatives. There was considerable interest in finding ways to share success stories and
resources from local initiatives across the country.
Family reunification issues
A session on family reunification highlighted the many recent changes to the rules and new
barriers to family reunification. Given that many settlement workers have limited knowledge of
family reunification rules and procedures, it was suggested that the CCR offer a training session
on this topic. (A webinar is being planned for the fall).
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III. SUMMARY OF THE PLENARIES
Some presentations are available online for CCR members at http://ccrweb.ca/en/fall-2014presentations.
Opening plenary
Following a welcome from Dennis White Bird, representing the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs,
and from the Honourable Erna Braun, Minister of Labour and Immigration of Manitoba,
participants heard some key updates on CCR activities since the last consultation from the CCR
President and representatives of the Youth Network.
The keynote speakers gave reflections on the theme Home, Dignity: Human rights, from the
perspectives of a faith leader, an Indigenous person and someone who has lived the refugee
experience. Professor Aimée Craft spoke about Indigenous struggles to maintain their home and
identity in the face of colonization. Bishop Susan Johnson highlighted “Welcoming the Stranger:
Affirmations for Faith Leaders”, underlining the moral obligations to welcome newcomers and
protect refugees, common to all faith traditions. Muuxi Adam commented on the newcomer
experience, noting the pressure that newcomers are under to please so that they will be welcomed
and supported (which is why they smile wherever they go).
Resource persons:
Dennis White Bird, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Honourable Erna Braun, Minister of Labour and Immigration, Manitoba Government
Loly Rico, CCR President
Alex Garcia and Najla Kanaan, Youth Network Representatives
Professor Aimée Craft, Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba
Bishop Susan Johnson, National Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
Muuxi Adam, Community Development Coordinator, film maker and founder of Humankind
International
Moderators: Rita Chahal and Boris Ntambwe
Closing plenary and General Meeting
The closing plenary offered an opportunity to recap the highlights of the consultation and
conduct the General Meeting. One resolution, on Islamophobia and discrimination targeting
newcomer youth, was adopted.
Participants also heard from guest speaker, James B. Wilson, Treaty Commissioner, Treaty
Relations Commission of Manitoba. He gave an engaging presentation about his work as Treaty
Commissioner, which includes promoting relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous
Peoples. Developing stronger connections with refugee and immigrant communities is a priority.
Among the topics discussed was the need for improved opportunities for newcomers to Canada
to learn about Indigenous Peoples and the Treaties, and the possibility of organizing events
making the connection between World Refugee Day (June 20) and National Aboriginal Day
(June 21).
Co-chairs: Loly Rico and Jim Mair
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IV. SYNTHESIS OF WORKSHOPS
Note: a number of presentations from the workshops are available to CCR members online at
http://ccrweb.ca/en/spring2015-presentations.
Collaborating to address trafficking in persons: Manitoba’s experience
This workshop focused on the province’s experience addressing trafficking in persons, and
organizations and agencies' collaborative approach in assessing and responding to trafficking in
communities across the province.
Cpl. Gabe Simard explained his role as First Nations Community Liaison and presented on the
education and awareness-raising strategy employed by the RCMP across Manitoba on human
trafficking, and shared some of the material used in their work. One of the challenges expressed
by Cpl. Simard was gaining the trust of First Nations communities due to historical factors.
Rebecca Cook shared the strategy employed by the Manitoba Government, Tracia's Trust,
launched since 2002, which focuses on combating sexual exploitation
(http://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/traciastrust/index.html). In 2011, the provincial government expanded
its strategy to add a number of components, including human trafficking, offender accountability
and protection elements for victims. The provincial strategy involves: Prevention/Awareness,
Intervention, Legislation, Coordination, Community mobilization, Research and evaluation. The
legislation presented as having a positive impact on the identification and prevention of
trafficking included:
•
•
•
Child and Family Services Act amendment in June 2005 to increase offence provisions in
the Act for offences related to causing a child to be in need of protection, including for
sexual exploitation and interference with a child in care.
Mandatory reporting on child pornography across MB established in April 2009.
Worker Recruitment and Protection Act (WRAPA) came into effect in April 2009,
targeting dishonest model and talent agencies, and aimed at improving protection of
foreign workers wanting to work in MB who might be vulnerable to trafficking.
Legislation has been accompanied by a continuum of services particularly intended for youth and
aboriginal women and girls, focusing primarily on sexual exploitation.
Dianna Bussey presented on the work of the Trafficked Persons Response Team, established in
2008 to meet the immediate and long-term needs of trafficked persons it comes into contact with
in Manitoba. The response team began by focusing on internationally trafficked persons and
expanded to include those trafficked domestically. In establishing protocols and roles, they have
worked to create a balance between knowing who to contact, by knowing what other agencies
can offer through their existing services, and developing face to face relationships. Members of
the response team include federal and provincial government departments, different levels of law
enforcement, community and settlement organizations, and shelters.
Regarding the response team’s operation process, when an NGO or law enforcement identifies a
trafficked person, the team members are identified based on the needs of the person and support
is then provided. Short and long term resources are considered; however, providing long-term
support has proven particularly difficult. Identification of a variety of resources was mentioned
as being the most significant activity of the team, including seeking out different types of
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shelters, counsellors, translators, and other services, which takes time but is also the most helpful
as connections are created. Resource agencies do not need to be team members, but many are.
One of the most significant lesson learnt and recommendation provided around their work was
regarding the importance of establishing relationships, as this will be crucial in opening doors.
The discussion following the presentations focused on newcomers in vulnerable situations. The
presenters clarified that while their work has centred extensively on trafficking for the purpose of
sexual exploitation and on domestic trafficking, they are aware that other forms of trafficking,
including trafficking of non-citizens with precarious status, may be taking place but they have
not been able to identify such cases in part because of difficulties in coming forward.
Workshop outcomes included a commitment to continue to collect information on access to
Temporary Resident Permits for trafficked persons across Canada, including on CIC’s practices
around the issuing of permits and challenges. The CCR has published a report on access to
TRPs: http://ccrweb.ca/en/trafficking/temporary-resident-permit-report.
Resource persons:
Dianna Bussey, Director, Salvation Army Correctional & Justice Services, Winnipeg
Rebecca Cook, Regional Team Coordinator, Manitoba Family Services
Corporal Gabriel Simard, RCMP First Nation Community Liaison
Moderators: Marta Kalita and Rita Acosta
Building Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples
The CCR recognizes the Indigenous Peoples of Canada as its original inhabitants, and that
refugees, migrants and the Indigenous Peoples of Canada may share similar experiences with
injustice due to persecution, oppression, colonization, discrimination, stereotyping and exclusion.
CCR membership has made a commitment to initiating dialogue and striving to build respectful
relationships with Indigenous Peoples in order to learn about issues of common interest and
discuss potential strategies and solutions. This workshop was organized as a moderated panel
discussion to explore ways in which CCR member and ally organizations can go about building
links of solidarity with indigenous communities.
Participants discussed the stereotypes and misconceptions about Indigenous people among
newcomers, and how these notions are rooted in colonialism and patriarchy, and are reinforced
through tools such as the Citizenship Guide. The exclusion and genocide of Indigenous peoples
through residential schools, forced sterilization of Indigenous women, and other campaigns was
reviewed, and the need to build solidarity between oppressed and excluded peoples while
recognizing the role that immigrants and refugees play in Canada’s ongoing colonial project was
acknowledged.
In the second part of the session strategies for building solidarity were discussed, and the
multiple sites and sectors in which Indigenous peoples and newcomers can engage with each
other were identified. There was opportunity for a facilitated exchange between resource
persons/panelists and workshop participants. The conversation included ideas of how to address
myths and misconceptions, and suggestions on how different groups (e.g. students) can engage in
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different ways. Participants were given a copy of existing CCR resolution on Indigenous
peoples, and encouraged to explore building a relationship with Indigenous groups and
movements in their local community.
Resource persons:
Leah Gazan, University of Winnipeg
Diane Redsky, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, Winnipeg
Damon Johnson, President, Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg
Abdikheir Ahmed, Immigration Partnership Winnipeg
Moderators: Noëlle DePape and Amy Casipullai
Inter-faith conversations: promoting learning, understanding and tolerance
Our work with refugees in Canada takes place in not only a multi-cultural, but also a multi-faith
context. This workshop shared information on inter-faith work being done at the grassroots level
in communities, and multi-faith conversations that are happening nationally.
Presenters identified activities bringing people together from different faiths to do things while
learning from one another, including:
inter-religious conversation
 Dialogue groups
(including Cree, Baha’I, Hindu, etc.)
 Cooking workshops/cookbook
 Leadership institute (includes youth)
publishing
with visits to one another’s places of
 Story-telling
workshop
 Youth documentary
 Muslim women’s council
 Manitoba multi-faith leadership
 Multi-cultural tea-fest
breakfasts
 Canadian inter-faith conversation
 Ad hoc advisory committee to the
Lieutenant Governor to deal with
Respondents (Jewish and Muslim) identified work with newcomers within the context of their
faith, underscoring the importance of opportunities for inter-faith connections.
Participants then brainstormed possible actions for the CCR, and important points to keep in
mind. Here are some of the salient points made:
 Sponsors need to be sensitive to the power dynamic of their relations with newcomers
 We need to learn though face-to-face conversations/activities, not presentations and not
(only) social media
 CCR could pull together tools and resources and make them available to people, share
information about these initiatives, including case studies.
 Be open to action from within the community, not top-down. Could CCR be a focal point
for small, rural communities?
 Right now the Muslim community is the target: CCR could do an action for whatever
community is the current target of distrust, oppression, to be in solidarity.
 CCR could look at child and family services – children being removed from refugee
families (numbers are growing)
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CCR could be part of the Canadian Inter-faith Conversation as an affiliate member
www.interfaithconversation.ca
Resource persons:
Paulina Grainger, Arts & Outreach Coordinator, Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria
Shahina Siddiqui, President, Islamic Social Services Association, Winnipeg
Rev. Dr. James Christie, Professor of Dialogue Theology; Director, Ridd Institute for Religion
and Global Policy; Chair, Project Ploughshares
Moderators: Rob Shropshire and Rebecca Walker
Private sponsorship of refugees training
This training workshop aimed to provide a concise A-Z overview of how refugees can be
privately sponsored to Canada, what special initiatives exists and what some common challenges
and best practices are. Participants gained an understanding of logistics such as application
processing, the cost of sponsoring, types of sponsorship and eligibility, global and sub-caps, and
information on groups of 5 and SAHs.
As a result of the workshop, RSTP can look forward to an increase in calls from participants who
want more information and clarification. A number of people didn’t know or understand the cap
system and how dramatically the number of new sponsorships has dropped as a result.
Resource person:
Nadine Nasir, RSTP Trainer
Moderators: Jim Mair and Khwaka Kukubo
Dialogue with the Manitoba government: Reducing Risks for Low Skilled Migrant
Workers
This session offered an opportunity to hear from and dialogue with representatives of the
Manitoba government, especially in relation to low-skilled workers. Participants heard about the
Worker Recruitment and Protection Act (WRAPA), which is seen as a model across Canada for
reducing risks for low-skilled migrant workers. The impact of labour recruitment laws on
potential situations of trafficking was explored, and participants heard about opportunities for
low-skilled workers to become permanent residents through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee
Program. A community respondent spoke to the gaps and challenges that are still seen on the
ground.
Some suggested actions included writing to provincial governments to adopt the best practices of
provinces such as Manitoba, and to update the CCR’s migrant worker report cards, and see
where the recommendations may have been heeded.
Resource persons:
Jay Short, Manager Special Investigations, Employment Standards, Manitoba
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Vera Ciriviri-Gjuric, Manager, Integrity and Quality Assurance, Manitoba Provincial Nominee
Program
Respondent: Diwa Marcelino, Migrante Manitoba
Moderator: Loly Rico
Refugee Protection Division: Issues and trends
This workshop explored decision-making trends at the Refugee Protection Division (RPD),
including no credible basis findings and their implications. It also looked at procedural fairness
issues, including the challenge of obtaining reasonably-requested postponements in the context
of the RPD’s own regular last minute cancellations of hearings for administrative reasons.
Participants had an opportunity to participate in direct consultation with those charged with
implementing the IRB’s mandate.
Karen Michnick gave an overview of statistics related to her Division’s caseload, as well as
emerging initiatives such as the Ready Tour. She reiterated the independent nature of RPD
decision-makers but noted that the RPD is constantly training members on issues like no credible
basis. She welcomed the constructive comments made during the discussion, in particular the
attention given to the conditions in which claimants are living, which she felt should be
considered by the RPD.
Eunice Valenzuela presented on concerns facing claimants living outside the Toronto area. Ben
Liston presented statistics and legal background on current issues at the RPD such as the
increasing trend of no credible basis/manifestly unfounded decisions. Finally, Ghezae Hagos
Herhe gave an overview of his organization and a summary of the issues facing claimants in
Winnipeg. Attendees welcomed his presentation on Winnipeg, which was not well-known
information.
Resource persons:
Karin Michnick, Assistant Deputy Chair, RPD Western Region
Ben Liston, Refugee Law Office, Toronto
Ghezae Hagos Berhe, Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council, Winnipeg
Eunice Valenzuela, Mennonite Coalition for Refugee Support, Kitchener
Moderator: Salvator Cusimano and Claire Roque
Centralized Processing Office – Winnipeg (CPOW)
The purpose of the workshop was to give participants an opportunity to better understand the
role and functioning of the Centralized Processing Office Winnipeg, which processes
applications to privately sponsor refugees. It included a focus on applications from Groups of
Five.
Government speakers reported that processing times have been significantly improved as the
backlog has been cleared and all applications are in process. At the moment SAH and Group of 5
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applications are processed on a first come first served basis, with the exception of applications
for Syrians, which are given priority. Government reported seeing major errors in G5
applications.
Resource persons:
Anastasia Chyz-LeSage, Acting Director General, CIC Western Region
Elisha Kapell-Seguin, Director, Immigration, CIC Western Region
Nadine Nasir, Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP)
Moderators: Jim Mair and Adeena Niazi
Radicalization and Stereotyping
Young newcomers routinely face stereotyping, often according to their country of origin or
religion: they are seen as members of street gangs or drug abusers. A new phenomenon of youth
radicalization has made the headlines in the media.
This workshop explored the issue of “radicalization” in Canada, framing the issue as one of
youth marginalization. The marginalization of youth of colour was explored from historical and
present day perspectives in the Canadian context. Shahina Siddiqui discussed the reality of youth
joining radical Islamic movements, including the sensationalization of this phenomenon and how
Islamophobia has been propagated by the media.
Alex Garcia shared his experience working with a young person who came close to becoming
“radicalized”. He shared his response as a youth worker, and discussed possible warning signs.
The group then discussed youth engagement as a strategy to overcome marginalization, and in
turn radicalization, with an emphasis on how to engage Muslim, refugee and newcomer youth.
Participants shared experiences of what had worked for their organizations and what hadn’t
when working with that demographic. The audience asked questions and shared tips about
meaningful engagement with Muslim and refugee youth.
A resolution was developed coming out of this workshop. It can be seen here:
www.ccrweb.ca/en/res/islamophobia-and-discrimination-targeting-newcomer-youth
Resource persons:
Shahina Siddiqui, Islamic Social Services Association, Winnipeg
Alex Garcia, Maison des jeunes Côtes-des-Neiges, Montreal
Moderators: Ibrahim Absiye and Najla Kanaan
Caucus: Navigating the System
This caucus session explored interventions by front-line workers to help refugees and other
newcomers navigate the intricate systems they interact with (e.g. health care, schools, social
workers). Participants were encouraged to share best practices and brainstorm around common
challenges.
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Common challenges identified included:
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Boundaries for staff
Privacy concerns for agencies -can
we share basic information and how
can we do it more efficiently?
Waiting time from referrals to
service is sometimes very long.
Strategy of multiple referrals to
access services sooner
Multiple referrals: can be good but
sometimes leaves clients confused
Family doesn’t always know who is
helping them – especially when
family members may have different
needs
Different services - i.e. youth within
a family have access to other
programs
Competing for numbers - agencies
need to respond to funders and so it
creates a competitive environment to
record client numbers
Clients build trust with a
worker/agency, especially for
francophone clients accessing other
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services where there may not be
bilingual staff
Children - school systems cannot
share information, privacy issues
when needs are identified
Privately Sponsored Refugees might be outside the settlement
service provider network and
therefore they and their sponsors
may be unaware of the range of
services available
Need to know what services are
being provided and by whom
Challenges around accessing
interpreters when they are needed
Clients may get incorrect advice
from friends and communities rather
than trusting the system
Medical system can be inflexible and
rigid - need to be able to advocate
Getting claimants or TFW’s into the
services is the first hurdle – then they
face the same challenges as others
Best strategies were shared and discussed. These included:
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Taking a cultural/holistic approach with clients – the use of community members as
cultural brokers (can be a challenge for people from same community but also an asset in
terms of helping interpret the systems)
Team approach with schools and service providers – need to work more closely together
and overcome how information can be shared in the clients’ best interest
Sharing staff between two organizations often makes it easier to build trust and
understanding as the staff already know the clients
Sharing information with other service agencies - like child care centres who may have
refugee children but are not aware of services available for the families
Partnership with CFS – advocate for client and accompany to CFS
Parenting programs can help empower clients to navigate the systems
Partnership with French Schools (in Anglophone majority provinces) has been very
positive - partnerships and relationship building is important
Important to sensitize and inform school staff as they are often a first point for new
families
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
Using an empowerment approach with clients is important so they know how to advocate
for themselves with service providers as soon as possible
Caucus leaders: Traicy Robertson and Claudette Legault
Global Resettlement Needs
This workshop aimed to highlight global needs for resettlement and Canadian selection of
refugees overseas: who is considered, and who is forgotten, who is coming, who didn’t make it,
why and what problems and challenges exist for forgotten populations.
Michael Casasola of UNHCR gave an overview of updated global resettlement needs and
regional distributions, as well as an overview as to how the need for resettlement is determined,
and how populations and cases are prioritized. He also addressed some common challenges faced
during resettlement, and talked about the process of referral to Canadian visa offices for the
purpose of resettlement to Canada.
Erol Kekic spoke about the US refugee resettlement program, and about the involvement of his
organization overseas.
Tom Denton talked about resettlement to Manitoba, emphasizing the importance of private
sponsorship. He expressed concern over the limits on allocations, and felt that Canada could do
much more.
Dr. Tesfagiorgis presented on the Eritrean community’s experiences of sponsorship, and the
impact of overseas selection priorities, restrictions and delays.
Resource persons:
Michael Casasola, Resettlement Officer, UNHCR Ottawa
Erol Kekic, Director, Immigration and Refugee Program, Church World Service, New York
Tom Denton, Executive Director, Hospitality House Refugee Ministry, Winnipeg
Dr. Mussie Tesfagiorgis, Geezrite Catholic Organization in Manitoba, Winnipeg
Moderators: Sharmarke Mohamed and Jennifer Mpungu
Children and CBSA
This workshop aimed to identify practices of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that
have an impact on children throughout their process of claiming asylum, and to compile
information and suggestions for a document to serve as a basis for encouraging CBSA to develop
a policy on children.
An overview of the international law context was given, including the Convention on the Rights
of the Child, Canada’s obligations to meet international treaty requirements and how Canada’s
Charter of Rights is aligned with these.
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The speaker from UNHCR gave a presentation on two pilot projects in the Greater Toronto Area
for unaccompanied minors involving pro bono designated representatives and an early
intervention protocol at Ports of Entry in partnership with CBSA, regional child welfare agencies
and Red Cross First Contact program. It was noted that a 1998 UNHCR report on the Rights of
the Child identified gaps in Canada’s policies such as the lack of a national guardian program
and lack of assessment tool to define best interest of the child.
Nazrin Azar from Refugee Law Office spoke about children in detention in Toronto and
discussed several issues including the psychological impact of being detained and seeing parents
in distress, limited access to education and recreational activities or fresh air, loss of the school
year, and potential separation from a parent through foster care by Child Welfare as an
alternative to staying with the detained parent.
In the area of removals, examples of custodial parents being removed with pending H&C and the
issue of leaving children behind with family or friends or in the care of Child Welfare were
discussed, noting that there is not a consistent application as some officers are sensitive to these
issues and others are not. It was also acknowledged that not everybody has access to H&C
because of legislative timeframes.
Information collected during the workshop is being formulated into a policy paper that will be
shared with CBSA to develop a policy on children. Representatives of CBSA in attendance were
agreeable and interested in working with CCR on this issue.
Resource persons:
Rana Khan, UNHCR, Toronto
Nasrin Azar, Refugee Law Office, Toronto
Rick Goldman, Committee to Aid Refugees, Montreal
Jennie Stone, Neighbourhood Legal Clinic, Toronto
Moderators: Debbie Hill-Corrigan and Rivka Augenfeld
Settlement Services: The challenges and benefits of data collection and reporting
There are important benefits to effective data collection, reporting and analysis that inform
services to clients, prove the success of programs, and support funding applications. This
workshop will explored current practices, strategies, and challenges around data collection,
reporting, evaluation and research from the funders’, settlement service providers’, and
academic’s perspectives, as well as the outcomes of data collection through such systems.
Martha Justus of CIC provided an overview and history of iCARE and a projection of what
iCARE will become in the future. She reported that iCARE will be an important part of the 2017
Treasury Board evaluation of CIC and the National Settlement Program, and argued that iCARE
makes service providers more accurate in their data collection. There was a request from
participants that CIC provide training to SPOs on how to use and interpret iCARE reports, and
Ms. Justus said she would be interested in doing this.
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Lori Wilkinson from University of Winnipeg presented her research findings on refugees in
Western Canada. Participants felt there was a need to have research on refugees in Eastern
Canada similar to what Lori has done in the West.
Both of these presentations are available to logged in CCR members at:
ccrweb.ca/en/spring2015-presentations
Jean McRae provided a service provider perspective on iCARE.
Resource persons:
Lori Wilkinson, University of Manitoba and Director, Immigration Research West
Martha Justus, Director - Strategic Research, CIC
Jean McRae, Intercultural Association of Victoria
Moderator: Craig Mackie
Beating the Chill: What we can say and do
Fear and uncertainty are silencing voices in newcomer communities. They are giving rise to
negative stereotypes leading to islamophobia. They are pressuring organizations serving
newcomers not to criticize government policies or engage in advocacy. This workshop explored
the ‘chill’ of fear and uncertainty, and discussed what can be done to counter the negative
stereotypes, assumptions and trends.
The Winnipeg Free Press published a strong article based on the workshop: Hiding from chill of
mistrust: Immigrants, agencies fear government retribution, Carol Sanders, 23 May 2015,
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/hiding-from-chill-of-mistrust-304801331.html.
Resource persons:
Abdikheir Ahmed, Winnipeg
Amy Casipullai, Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI), Toronto
Louise Simbandumwe, SEED Winnipeg
Moderators: Noelle DePape and Jill Keliher
Challenges and Hope: Refugee initiatives in the absence of durable solutions
There will never be enough resettlement spaces for all refugees in need of a durable solution.
The panelists in this workshop discussed a variety of projects in different world regions which
protect and assist refugees.
The workshop explored the challenges and the hope of engaging with and supporting refugees’
efforts to create their own future(s) in a world of continuing crisis and conflict. Fikre Tsehai
spoke about Syrian refugees in Jordan and the work of his organization, while Matt Fast focused
on Dadaab refugee camp and work of his Winnipeg based group Humankind International
supporting education in the camps. Mary Purkey talked about her organization’s work with
refugees at the Thai-Burma border.
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Canadian Council for Refugees
Resource persons:
Fikre Mariam Tsehai, Canadian Lutheran World Relief
Matt Fast, Humankind International
Mary Purkey, Mae Sot Education Project
Moderator: Gloria Nafziger
Violence against Women in the immigration Enforcement Continuum
This interactive workshop with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) focused on issues
pertinent to Violence against Women (VAW) in the Immigration Enforcement context. The
session focused on identifying gaps, problems and potential solutions related to the treatment of
women at the port of entry, during arrest and detention, and also for women facing deportation
who have experienced domestic violence.
Resource persons discussed the continuum of violence and how encounters with CIC and CBSA
can perpetuate the victimization of women with precarious status. There was a review of CCR’s
discussions to date with CBSA and recommendations for a CBSA policy, based on examples of
cases. The CBSA representative stated that CBSA appreciated this input and welcomes potential
solutions. He pointed out that all CBSA officers are governed by a code of conduct, so
complaints can be filed for unacceptable treatment.
Some of the suggestions for CBSA that came up during the session included:
 CBSA agents must be trained on VAW to increase sensitivity
 There should be an intake interview after a woman is detained to better identify
vulnerability and experiences of violence
 Other forms of violence against women and perpetrators other than the spouse/partner
should be considered.
 Detention of a woman should not be considered when abuse results in man withdrawing
sponsorship, while the woman has done nothing wrong.
 Services should be coordinated between CIC, CBSA, police and NGOs
 When sponsorship is withdrawn, the sponsored spouse should be interviewed to
determine whether abuse was a factor.
 When a woman without status is identified by police, a shelter should be contacted
before arrest by CBSA, as an alternative to detention.
Resource persons:
John Helsdon, CBSA
Nasrin Tabibzadeh, Refugee Law Office, Toronto
Rita Acosta, Mouvement contre le viol et l’inceste, Montreal
Moderators: Tanya Aberman
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Canadian Council for Refugees
Express Entry
The Express Entry immigrant selection system, introduced January 1st of this year, is set to
change the way Canada selects economic immigrants. It uses the “points system” to further
narrow selection criteria and gives employers a prominent role in immigrant selection. This
workshop brought together presenters from the immigrant and refugee serving sector,
francophone newcomer interests, and government to share perspectives about the implications
and impacts of the new system.
Ms. Tudadovic of CIC gave a detailed overview of the technical aspects of the Express Entry
system. Ms. Brown spoke to the challenges experienced by the francophone community as a
result of Express Entry.
Karl Flecker gave a unique perspective on the negative long-term implications of the system,
emphasizing that this system mustn’t be used as an easy way to recruit cheap labour for lowpaying jobs. Some of the concerns he identified regarding the new system are:
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No predictability for applicants
Your success depends on who is in the pool with you
Harder to qualify but maybe better short-term results
Language standards will change source countries, while ignoring 2nd generation successes
3rd party assessment of language and education credentials = more objectivity (do we
know the capacity of the assessors?)
Regulated occupations still a problem
CEC is not automatic; meeting the criteria gets you in the pool. Problematic for
international students and high-skilled TFWs
Harder for international students to qualify for PR. No extra points for study in Canada.
Job offers must be in O, A, B NOC codes
Bias built in for short-term labour market needs (defined by employers rather than
government FSWP)
Nation building is not in the formulae – but economic needs of employers are
Early draws suggest in applicants are favoured = Creating a two‐step
immigration process. Alongside this likely to see problems for those with temporary
entry status being ineligible for social protections, uncertainty, separation from family
and time served while in TFW status does not count for citizenship eligibility.
Two step bias hands over initial selection of potential immigrants to employers
and educational institutions. No concomitant expectation of their role to provide
assistance/service for transition to PR status. They get the worker – not the potential
citizen.
No incentive for employers to hire from abroad, if EE will be the fast and furious service
road to transition TFWs to long‐term employees
A major focus of the discussion following the presentation was on the impact on the francophone
community, and on prospective francophone immigrants.
Resource persons:
Marjie Brown, Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne, Ottawa
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Canadian Council for Refugees
Emina Tudakovic, Director Strategic Planning and Delivery - International Region, CIC
Karl Flecker, KEYS, Kingston
Moderators: Georges Bahaya and Rita Chahal
Innovative Initiatives in Securing Acceptable Housing
Newcomers should have the right to an affordable and dignified home as it is a crucial element
for individual and family well-being, and for successful settlement. This workshop presented
initiatives in creating affordable and dignified housing from different provinces and focused on
how research can help to make it happen.
Speakers from Winnipeg, Vancouver and Calgary presented research related to housing and
housing initiatives in their cities. The general theme of all the presentations was that not only
government (federal and provincial) but also the local community has responsibility to support
refugees, and that they should focus on what refugees bring to cities rather than on what they
take. Initiatives were shared by the presenters, including the rent supplement program in
Winnipeg, Home Suite Home workshops in Calgary, and the New Welcome House that will be
opening in Vancouver in spring 2016.
Resource persons:
Ray Silvius, Professor, University of Winnipeg
Hani Al-Ubeady, Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council, Winnipeg
Caroline Dailly, Immigrant Services Society of BC, Vancouver
Kirstin Blair, Immigrant Sector Council of Calgary
Moderators: Florim Tafilaj and Claudette Legault
Here and There: Putting Canada’s immigration policy in a global gender perspective
This workshop facilitated a gender-based analysis of recent immigration legislation. Through an
examination of the annual Immigrant and Refugee Protection Act report on the gender impacts of
the immigration legislation, a diverse panel of speakers provided a platform to develop a
counter-analysis to some of the changes that have taken place.
Presenters offered an overview of gender-based analysis (or Gender Mainstreaming) and how
this analysis can be applied to the Immigrant and Refugee Protection Act. The various
shortcomings of CIC’s gender-based analysis were examined, including how gender
considerations aren’t reflected in emerging policy changes and new legislation. Community
perspectives that highlighted what is actually happening on the group were presented.
Resource persons:
Joan Grace, Associate Professor, Department of Politics, University of Winnipeg
Shauna Labman, Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba
Chinue Bute, FCJ Refugee Centre
Adeena Niazi, Afghan Women’s Organization
Moderators: Tanya Aberman and Philip Ackerman
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Canadian Council for Refugees
Youth Views on Radicalization and Gangs
This workshop provided an opportunity for youth to talk about dealing with society’s
preoccupation with radicalization and youth gangs, and to discuss what recommendations could
be made to government, funders and others who want to respond to youth being recruited to
criminal activities.
Topics covered included:
 Media portrayal of newcomer youth in regards to radicalization and domestic terrorism
 The propagation of Islamophobia by the media
 Real life perspectives on radicalization of newcomer youth and active recruitment of
newcomer youth by radical groups
 Youth engagement as a preventative measure
 Best practices for youth engagement
Facilitators: Alex Garcia, Najla Kanaan and Marko Gjuric
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Canadian Council for Refugees
V. PARTICIPANT EVALUATIONS
Winnipeg Consultation participants who filled out evaluation forms reported particular
appreciation for the opportunity to network, and to learn and exchange information with others
involved in refugee protection, the immigrant and refugee serving sector, and refugee
resettlement across Canada. Overall, participants reported that the opportunity to network and the
workshop variety and content were particularly valuable to them.
Many of the positive comments about the Consultation were about the broad scope of workshop
themes and the mix of presenters from different sectors, the interactive format and opportunity to
ask questions and discuss, and the significant presence of new participants, especially from the
Winnipeg area. Respondents underlined that having government representatives present as both
speakers and participants is important, and they appreciated the opportunity to hear from the
UNHCR.
Participants requested longer workshops to allow for more discussion, but they found it difficult
to choose between several interesting workshops in one time slot. There were several comments
about caucus sessions: some respondents felt confused as to the difference between caucus
sessions (more strategy and discussion-oriented) and workshops (often with panel presentation
format), while others felt that the caucus sessions were more successful than the workshops.
There was a suggestion that the opening plenary should precede the first part of the Working
Group meetings, to help prepare participants and put things in context. There were requests to
improve translation between English and French, and to ensure more promotion of the event.
Respondents appreciated the efforts to foster participation and inclusion at the Consultation.
Many respondents cited appreciation for the welcoming environment and encouragement to
participate, while one person appreciated being given the space to listen without pressure to
contribute. At CCR Consultations, moderators acknowledge and briefly explain the CCR’s antioppression policy and acknowledge the indigenous territory the meeting is taking place on at the
beginning of each session. At this Consultation a handout was introduced for the first time to the
conference kit that all participants receive, offering tips for an inclusive Consultation, and
including an exercise (the “power wheel”) to help understand privilege. Many positive comments
were received on these two elements that demonstrate and help reinforce the CCR’s commitment
to anti-oppression and inclusion.
Participants were appreciative of the efforts of the Local Organizing Committee, and many
reported enjoying the social events that were organized for CCR participants to unwind and
connect with others.
Overall, respondents felt that the conference was a success. Many people cited feeling motivated
by being among so many others from across the country who work for refugee and migrant
justice. Several people noted difficulty attending CCR Consultations regularly due to financial
constraints, especially since professional development budgets are shrinking, but that proximity
to their home location enables them to attend.
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